Effect of Urea on Bleaching of Wool with Hydrogen Peroxide Under Alkaline and Acidic Conditions

Abstract

The effect of urea on the alkaline and acidic hydrogen peroxide bleaching of wool has been investigated. There was an improvement in the whiteness of the wool or, alternatively, a considerable reduction in the bleaching time using a concentration of 100-200 g/l urea in the bleaching bath. No significant differences were observed at lower concentration of urea (less than 100 g/l) in the bleach bath. Alkali solubility of wool flannel increases with urea concentration during bleaching and often remains within tolerable limits.